mooncup (Merged Discussion Thread)

Chemgirl

It's that time of the month again so I'll be using my mooncup for the second time. I thought it might be useful to people unsure whether to get one, for me to report on some different activities undertaken while wearing my mooncup.
This week I shall be:
swimming
running (for about 45mins)
circuit training
cycling
going to london for the day and evening to see a gig, go for dinner and maybe some shopping (public toilets all day and a 6 hour return trip)
going to the cinema (more public toilets)

I shall let you know how I get on next week

irocan

Thanks to you all for your tips and encouragement!
I can't belive I ummed and ahhed over getting a mooncup. It was easy to insert, easy to remove, and I'd forget I was wearing it after a few minutes. It was the cleanest, most comfortable period ever- I'm converted!

morlandbanks

Thanks so much for this thread! I read it last month and bought a mooncup just in time for my 'visit'. Now we're friends for life!

It was a bit odd at first. Found I had to snip off all of the stem to make it comfortable, then worried that I wouldn't be able to remove it as easily! But it was fine. Actually, it's much easier now because you have to sort of squeeze it to get it to 'release' anyway. With the stem you have to just pull it and I was worried I'd make a mess everywhere!! It's second nature now though. I'm so glad I'm not using tampons anymore and it's really no more icky than using those tampons without applicators.

I have a really heavy flow, so used to go through loads of tampons. Not good for the planet - or my purse! The only thing I don't like is that when you pour away your, um, loss (for the squeemish amongst us) it's right there...looking like you've massacred someone in the loo!!

Incidentally, I've used it during swimming, a full gym workout - cycling, running etc and a pretty serious aerobics class, with no leakage. Did have a leak last month when I first used it, but I think I just hadn't made sure it 'inflated', if you know what I mean. There was an airlock!!

I don't know why I'd never heard of the Mooncup before last month. Why isn't this more widely known? I certainly wasn't told of this as an option when we were given the 'girl talk' at school (mind you, I'm going back to the late 80's here. LOL!!).

I can't imagine how this might be so, but I've actually had a lot less cramps since using the mooncup, but it must be coincidence because I can't think how it would affect cramps? If anyone can educate me, I'd be interested!

Chemgirl

Well my second time is over so I thought I'd report back:
No problems at all with any of the activities I took part in:
swimming, circuits, running, going to london for the afternoon and evening, cinema
I didn't even need to empty it in a public loo as it holds so much more than a tampon, saved space in my bag as no towels or tampons to carry. I even went climbing (which of course could be potentially embarrassing), no problems at all.

willowwhiskers

Thanks for all those comment girls. I don't have one yet and only just heard about them a few months ago, I thought it was something new so I was surprised to see someone has had one for 10 years. When I first found out what it was I did think that it sounded like a rather nasty idea but all these positive comments have changed my mind - I will be getting myself one soon.

WW x

rubymonday

I have used a mooncup for the past 3 years and think they are marvellous. Although this is not a particularly money saving tip, but is in a useful thread, I accidently threw my original mooncup away about 4 months (don't ask....it was wrapped in a tissue!!) so have replaced it. The new mooncup is even better. I think the design has changed slightly. It seems more pliable and has ridges near the top of the stem to make them easier to remove. My point is not that you all replace your old mooncups (not very green or moneysaving) but there has never been a better time to make the switch OR if you had an old one and found problems try again.

I think they are great and much more hygienic than tampons.

(PS I don't sell them!)

UniqueEarthling

Hiya everyone

When I saw an ad, on the freebie board, for free tampons, I thought I should let everyone know about Mooncup.

Boy, was I surprised when I did a search to find out how many others are already using one; most of my friends recoil in horror at the thought.

To add to the reassurances, for anyone tempted to give it a go, I suffer with heavy periods so I worried I wouldn't be able to use one but I've never leaked with it.

I'm also irregular but find it much easier (and more discrete) to carry my Mooncup (in its little pouch) than to carry a box of tampons in my bag ... just in case.

I've been swimming in it and frequently go camping where toilet facilities leave a lot to be desired; neither of which has been a problem.

Like many of you, I cut the stem off completely; pinching it between finger and thumb makes removal a doddle. When water isn't available, I just empty, wipe with tissue and replace.

All in all, it has been the best alternative to tampons I could hope for; better still, I've saved about £220 so far (5 years use)

smmz1972

Does anyone know if you can use a mooncup if you use a coil for contraception?

UniqueEarthling

UniqueEarthling wrote:

... I've been swimming in it ...

Just realised this makes me sound the size of an ant I meant wearing it obviously :-D

UniqueEarthling

smmz1972 wrote:

Does anyone know if you can use a mooncup if you use a coil for contraception?

This is what the Mooncup site advises

Q. Can the Mooncup be safely used with a Coil (IUD)?

A. There should be no problem with an IUD (coil). Many women have used the 2 together with no problems. Its a good idea to ask your GP/clinic if they can trim the IUD strings to keep them short. You may also like to check your IUD strings periodically to make sure it hasn't been dislodged. If you have any queries you should check with your GP/clinic.